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🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea Facts — Interesting & Surprising Things to Know

Papua New Guinea is a country in Oceania / Pacific, Oceania with a rich history, unique culture and some remarkable records. Here are the most interesting facts about Papua New Guinea that most people don't know.

🏆 Papua New Guinea World Rankings

1st
Languages
Most linguistically diverse country — over 840 languages
3rd
Rainforest
3rd largest rainforest in the world
1st
Birds of Paradise
Home to 38 of the world's 42 birds of paradise species
1st
Coral Triangle
Part of the Coral Triangle — world's highest marine biodiversity
Did You Know?

Papua New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse country on Earth with over 840 living languages — that's 12% of all languages in the world packed into one country. The Highlands, home to 1 million people, was completely unknown to the outside world until 1930.

5 Interesting Facts about Papua New Guinea

1

Papua New Guinea has more languages than any other country — over 840 living languages.

2

PNG contains the world's third largest rainforest after Amazon and Congo.

3

The Highlands region was unknown to the outside world until 1930.

4

PNG has over 600 islands and some of the most diverse coral reefs on Earth.

5

Papua New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse country on Earth with over 840 living languages — that's 12% of all languages in the world packed into one country. The Highlands, home to 1 million people, was completely unknown to the outside world until 1930.

Famous Places in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is known for several remarkable places that attract visitors and define the country's identity:

🪖 Kokoda Track

A legendary WWII jungle trail — 96km through the Owen Stanley Range where Australians halted the Japanese advance

🌊 Tufi Fjords

Dramatic fjords in the tropics — coral walls dropping into deep water with exceptional diving

🪶 Huli Wigmen

The famous Huli people of the Highlands — warriors who wear elaborate bird of paradise feather headdresses

🌿 Sepik River

One of the world's great rivers — lined with spirit houses and extraordinary traditional art

Quick Facts about Papua New Guinea

What is Papua New Guinea famous for?

Papua New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse country on Earth with over 840 living languages — that's 12% of all languages in the world packed into one country. The Highlands, home to 1 million people, was completely unknown to the outside world until 1930.

What is the capital of Papua New Guinea?

The capital of Papua New Guinea is Port Moresby.

What is the population of Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea has a population of approximately 10.3M.

What language do they speak in Papua New Guinea?

The official languages of Papua New Guinea are English / Tok Pisin / Hiri Motu.

When did Papua New Guinea gain independence?

Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975.

What currency does Papua New Guinea use?

Papua New Guinea uses the Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK).

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